Three candidates filed to be placed on the April 3 election ballot to fill two open seats on Pattonville Board of Education, however one of the three candidates has since decided that he no longer wishes to be elected to office. Those who filed for board, in order of filing, are Jeanne Schottmueller, an incumbent, Toby Meyer and Dr. Amanda Purnell. Meyer, in a statement to Pattonville (see below), said he no longer wished to be considered for the board, however due to the timing of the election, his name will still appear on the ballot. Current board secretary Ralph Stahlhut's
term ends in April and he decided not to run for re-election after serving 28 years on the school board. Information on the candidates and Meyer's statement are shown below.

Jeanne Schottmueller (incumbent)

A 20-year resident of Pattonville, Schottmueller works as a paraprofessional for the Special School District. She earned her degree from Lindenwood University. Schottmueller is a resident of St. Louis County, a Pattonville graduate and the mother of two 2012 Pattonville High School graduates.

Volunteerism/Experience

President of PTO at Drummond Elementary and PTA at Holman Middle School; also served on the School Improvement Teams at Drummond, Holman and Pattonville High School; vice president of the Football Boosters; service on many district committees; and president of the Pattonville Board of Education.

Statement of Purpose

“I believe in the vision and goals of the school district and will continue to hold the district accountable for results. It is important to me to make sure our children are receiving everything possible to become contributing citizens not only in our community, but the world around us.”

Toby Meyer

Meyer's statement released Feb. 21, 2018:

"Dear friends,

After meeting with the PNEA (Pattonville National Education Association) and careful consideration, I have come to the realization that I am not the best-suited candidate at this time to lead Pattonville. After meeting with all three candidates, our PNEA has selected to support the two candidates whom they believe to be in the best position to lead the district most effectively. As a member of NEA, I have complete confidence and faith in their decision. It has thus become clear to me that what is best for the district at this time is someone who has more experience in a leadership role and who has been involved in the last few years in the workings of the district. As many of you know, I have been away from Pattonvile for about six years now teaching in Riverview and focusing on my family. While I do not rule out running in
the future, I am confident that were I to proceed at this moment in time, I would not be able to serve Pattonville as well as the other candidates who are running. Although my name will be on the ballot on April 3rd, I stand with the PNEA in support of, and encourage you to vote for, Jeanne Schottmueller and Amanda Purnell. Thank you my friends. Go Pirates!

Sincerely,

Toby Meyer"

Previously published information:

A 36-year resident of Pattonville, Meyer is a teacher at Highland Elementary School in the Riverview Gardens School District. He earned an associate’s degree from the St. Louis Community College-Meramec and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a Maryland Heights resident and the father of a son in the early childhood program at Rose Acres Elementary School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“I’m a Pattonville alumnus of the Class of 1999. I have worked in the district as a custodian for 13 years at Rose Acres. I’ve been a resident for 36 years. I am a parent of an EC student at Rose Acres. I teach second grade math in Riverview Gardens.”

Statement of Purpose

“As a parent, a resident of 36 years, a 1999 alumnus, custodian of Rose Acres and an educator in RGSD, I understand the importance of academically educating and socially cultivating our youth. Green and white in my veins, I seek to be involved in the decisions to achieve those goals.”

Dr. Amanda Purnell

An 8-year resident of Pattonville, Purnell is employed as an innovation specialist at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton (Ohio) and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. She a St. Louis County resident and the mother of two children who attend Willow Brook Elementary School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“I have learned so much about education from the fantastic teachers, aides, special educators and support staff that have worked with our family since my daughter, Maya, began preschool. In my work, I have experience with leading work groups and helping plan for large organizational change.”

Statement of Purpose

“I am running for school board because I want to serve a community that serves my family. I am passionate about the promise of Pattonville, one of the most diverse districts in the area, to be a leader for equity, inclusion and excellence for all students.”